 Every single state, excluding Hawaii, is suffering from a especially brutal flu season. This years dominant strain is called H3N2 (this is the same strain that was responsible for all of the people hospitalized in 2009). Part of the reason why it is so widespread this year is because the vaccinations are the least effective for this strain. Hospitals all over the country are scrambling to provide enough nurses, doctors, hospital beds, and rooms to accommodate their unfortunate patients. People generally forget how dangerous the flu can be. 53 pediatric deaths have already been reported during this flu season, and this strain has a record for lasting between 16 and 20 weeks. {Washington Post Article:The Flu Season is on Track to be the Worst in Nearly a Decade}
On the graph here, the red line indicates the severity of the flu this year. It has clearly surpassed the other years and the inclination rate is much higher. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, in the 2014/15 flu season, approximately 34 million Americans were diagnosed with the flu, and just under 1 million were hospitalized. By the end of this year’s flu season, these numbers are predicted to be exceeded. Anyone elderly, pregnant, or a young child is especially susceptible to this particular strain. It’s still not too late to get a flu shot to try and avoid this underestimated sickness. Keep in mind that washing your hands really does make a difference, especially in public areas. It is wise to see a doctor if you think you may have the flu, in order to prevent it from getting worse. {NY Times: This Flu Season Is the Worst in Nearly a Decade} Story by Willow Schenk Comments are closed.
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